POSTED UNDER Tattoo Removal REVIEWS
26 Year Old, Depressed by Getting Large, Colorful Chest Tattoo. Scotland, GB
ORIGINAL POST
I am so depressed and angry. So many good things...
foxandcolourNovember 21, 2015
I am so depressed and angry. So many good things are happening in my life now, and I thought a tattoo would complement my vibrant life, but it has completely depressed me. I'm not eating or sleeping and I'm dreading getting undressed to see my new tattoo. The artist did a very good job but it's not for me + turned out a lot larger and higher up than I originally wanted, but as so many of you here say - you didn't realize or thought it mattered until after... and I'm feeling constantly anxious, worried, short of breath and upbeat heart rate, and I have wrecked my self-esteem. I've never had doubts about my body in the past few years of adulthood, but now I do. It's only a week old. I haven't told my parents, which is the toughest part, and I'm having a horrible time. I try to do things, see my family, talk with them, walk outside, but I can't shake the feeling and I'm hating myself for it.
Please, I'm right now just looking for comforting words. I want it all gone right away, but funds are insufficient, and I'm worried I've ruined myself forever. I know I have to wait it out and see, but I'm so stressed out about telling my parents, and even friends. Recently I've just overcome a year long depression, just to ruin everything and kick myself "voluntarily" into the spiral again...
Do you think there is any hope? Do you at least think there is any way I can remove just that third eye and cover it with orange? I don't want the artist to know I'm dreading this, as she did a very good job, but I'm freaking out... Writing this review to get the ball rolling on either treatment of feelings or removal.
Please, I'm right now just looking for comforting words. I want it all gone right away, but funds are insufficient, and I'm worried I've ruined myself forever. I know I have to wait it out and see, but I'm so stressed out about telling my parents, and even friends. Recently I've just overcome a year long depression, just to ruin everything and kick myself "voluntarily" into the spiral again...
Do you think there is any hope? Do you at least think there is any way I can remove just that third eye and cover it with orange? I don't want the artist to know I'm dreading this, as she did a very good job, but I'm freaking out... Writing this review to get the ball rolling on either treatment of feelings or removal.
Replies (36)
November 22, 2015
im having picosure at pro skin clinics in Newcastle they might have a clinic in Scotland. had first session and it has faded in a week , the green stems on my leaves have already gone and I can see skin , even the yellow has risen to the surface with the scabs. so it can be removed. and its not that expensive. I didn't like my tattoo tried to fix it made me feel worse , best way is just get it removed.
November 26, 2015
Hello! I am also going to start pico laser next week in Sydney, Australia. I only have black ink, you highly recommend and there is s good chance of full removal?
November 27, 2015
Black is the easiest colour to remove . I was told by other places they couldn't remove the colour and yellow cannot be removed , its now just 2 weeks I can can see skin .get loads of vitamin c and eat a healthy diet (im vegetarian therefore I eat loads of fresh fruit and veg ) it will heal faster and have more chance of breaking up faster.The black outline is breaking up too. picosure is the best on the market .
November 22, 2015
This is a gorgeous tattoo. Your daily self has not harmonized with your spirit self yet but it will and when it does you will accept and embrace this new beautiful part of you. Harmonizing within and becoming all of you will be a much more beautiful and honest presentation to the world than scars and ink spots from an attempted removal. You must give yourself at least a year or two with your new tattoo to really move through this phase. I'm not exactly sure if I'm making my point with the right words but I hope it makes some sense and is helpful. You can wear this tattoo proudly! Give yourself time to adjust. Accept and love yourself.
UPDATED FROM foxandcolour
Good and bad days
foxandcolourDecember 18, 2015
Thank you so much for all your support everyone, it's been vital to me. However I had to get off RealLife for a while because I felt so much regret and anxiety when constantly reading about the pain and slow results from other people's removal, constantly being remonded about my tattoo and how it's there, permanently.
I'm writing in to tell you all that I have had two good weeks, also been showing it off when outside, twice. It felt weird but I only got positive feedback. However I didn't like the attention too much, but at least no one judged me or were obvious about it.
I've also been trying to ignore it which has helped, but there's just no way I can't go one day without seeing it. I thought I was getting on a good path with positive thoughts, but then I got home for Christmas today and I just can't focus or enjoy anything without thinking about the tattoo. I feel like it's robbing me of half my experiences brin in on mind all the time. Just had to tell you because I have no one to talk to about it.
Also, anyone in Edinburgh know of a good therapist? I really feel I should talk about this with a professional.
Thank you all again for your support and for listening to me. I'm let you know how things get on, and if I decide to go for a consultation for removal when back in Edinburgh after Christmas.
I'm writing in to tell you all that I have had two good weeks, also been showing it off when outside, twice. It felt weird but I only got positive feedback. However I didn't like the attention too much, but at least no one judged me or were obvious about it.
I've also been trying to ignore it which has helped, but there's just no way I can't go one day without seeing it. I thought I was getting on a good path with positive thoughts, but then I got home for Christmas today and I just can't focus or enjoy anything without thinking about the tattoo. I feel like it's robbing me of half my experiences brin in on mind all the time. Just had to tell you because I have no one to talk to about it.
Also, anyone in Edinburgh know of a good therapist? I really feel I should talk about this with a professional.
Thank you all again for your support and for listening to me. I'm let you know how things get on, and if I decide to go for a consultation for removal when back in Edinburgh after Christmas.
Replies (11)
December 19, 2015
I went through the same thing when I got my first big piece done on my arm, I thought I ruined myself and I was so upset, I thought I'd never get over it. Hid and cried, felt angry. But guess what ..it passes, give yourself some time. These feeling will pass, every once in a while you may wish you never got it, but most likely you will fall in love with the new you, you are brave,unique and beautiful..tell yourself that. To be honest it took about a year to get over the shock for me. Just hang in there. Good luck on whatever you decide to do :)
December 19, 2015
That's such a supportive comment curveNVY - thank you for taking the time to lift up another person's spirits. ☺
December 20, 2015
i feel you with this. i recently got my neck tattooed by an insta-famous artist, but dispite maximum quality it just hasnt sat 100% right with me. im covered in tattoos but for some reasons this one has got me all tripped out. its a mental battle. but its just a tattoo. and ours are done good, so i guess thats a plus.
December 21, 2015
Hi,
I haven't created a post of my own yet, but I'm very much in the same position as you. 31, I just got a colourful, well done tattoo on each of my triceps and I'm really questioning the decision.
I spent days feeling awful - and telling my parents was THE WORST, but I did feel better once they knew, sort of. I'm embarrassed to show people and I don't feel like me. However, rathe than allowing it to take over my emotions, I'm trying to 'reclaim' some control over the situation by putting away a little bit of money each month and giving myself a year. If I still think it's a bad decision, I'll start the process of removal, but it may be that in that time I've grown to love them - or at least tolerate them. I figure a year is the 'consequence' of my action, and it's been a week already, only another 51 to go. Plus, it means that if I do decide to go for the removal I can save up money and do it properly - with Picosure - and not have to worry about saving up as much as the treatments go on.
I'll be sure to follow your story and will be posting my own soon. I'm also in Scotland - not that it means much, but it might help when looking for clinics etc. I wish you all the best and
January 16, 2016
Hi Suzor, I am in the exact same position. I can't really afford removal now, so will give myself a year too. Going through summer will be difficult. I also experience days where I don't really mind the tattoo, but other days in combination with other things going on my mind (or, maybe the tattoo is triggering some emotions) I feel terrible. It is definitely going, because I can't ever see myself wearing it publicly. But will give it a year. However, I'm going for my first consultation tomorrow just to talk with a professional.
I wish you all the best! If you want to stay in touch during this year of "repentance" please PM me :) would be nice to get in touch with someone who gets it...
I wish you all the best! If you want to stay in touch during this year of "repentance" please PM me :) would be nice to get in touch with someone who gets it...
January 7, 2016
Hiii,
Im so sad to read your story but so relieved that im not alone! I have extended by arm tattoo down my forearm and feel like i have ruined my life. Literally. I dont feel like i can cope, i cant stop cryin, i feel anxious and self concious! I just dont know what to do - the removal process seems impossible and the thought of living with it feels just as bad!
Are you going to go through with removal? X
Im so sad to read your story but so relieved that im not alone! I have extended by arm tattoo down my forearm and feel like i have ruined my life. Literally. I dont feel like i can cope, i cant stop cryin, i feel anxious and self concious! I just dont know what to do - the removal process seems impossible and the thought of living with it feels just as bad!
Are you going to go through with removal? X
January 16, 2016
Hi! I'm most likely pursuing removal, but I am determined to be patient, and probably won't start until fall 2016 or later. I need to think this through and take everything into consideration. On bad days I try to not look at myself in the mirror and dress so my tattoo won't show. To be honest, on most days I'm feeling fine right now. Some days I feel terrible, and then thoughts about the tattoo swirls up again, no matter the trigger of my feelings that day, so it's definitely a burden. I hope you are able to find time and energy to love yourself for you, and ignore what your brain tells you about the tattoo. It shouldn't be allowed to ruin your life. That is what I tell myself when I feel down, and it has helped me tons. All the best to you! Please PM me if you ever feel like talking.
UPDATED FROM foxandcolour
Going for a consultation tomorrow
foxandcolourJanuary 16, 2016
I can't really afford removal, nor do I want to start right now as I'm giving myself a year to contemplate my decision, but I'm going for a consultation tomorrow just to hear the voice and opinion of a professional. It's SK:N Clinic in Edinburgh. Anyone been there? They don't have Pico lasers, which I'm kind of looking for, but then I would need to go to Newcastle. Any thoughts? What should I definitely ask my professional at the consultation?
Replies (8)
January 16, 2016
Hello sk:n clinic are ok but fade lasers in Dunbar is way better & they have a revlite laser xx
January 17, 2016
Hi! Thank you for this suggestion, I am now in contact with Fade Lasers. Their first impression is very good. I'll update this review ASAP after going to one of my consultations. I have been in touch with SK:N in Edinburgh, ProSkin in Newcastle and Fade Lasers Skin Aesthetics in Dunbar, waiting for my appointments to happen/be scheduled.
January 17, 2016
Good luck on you're journey :-) i do think you're tattoo is beautiful but i know exactly how it feels to have tattoo regret. I have sent you a pm xx
January 17, 2016
Hey, I just had my second session at Fade lasers yesterday. Feel free to message if you want to ask anything etc :-)
January 17, 2016
January 17, 2016
Hi there, here are some consultation questions that you may find helpful — I realize these are geared towards PicoSure, but they can be applied to any type of laser. Also, check this out:
January 28, 2016
Hang in there! The new lasers will work...it just takes time. There are plenty of us that have done the same thing! We're in the same boat :)
Hi there, wow - that is an absolutely stunning tattoo, it's a shame it's causing you such horrible feelings.
You mention that you may just remove the third eye, which I think would be possible, especially with the PicoSure or PicoWay - aside from the size and placement, is the 3rd eye what bothers you the most? I think it's perfect just as it is, the fact that the fox is a power animal and very spiritual in nature the 3rd eye is a perfect representation of this beautiful animal. The fox while cunning, is very responsive to change and is able to adapt quickly - this spiritual teacher is known to provide guidance through tough times, "when the fox appears in your life as a spirit animal, it encourages action and quick, swift moves. You may be called to take action in a way that shows your adaptability and ability to move quickly through obstacles and resistance."
And here you sit faced with a tough decision, your fox tattoo being the obstacle. You love the tattoo, as you should, it's beautiful, but will you be able to adapt to the placement and size is the question. If I was in your shoes (and I stress this is only my opinion and what I would consider), I would hold off on removal and allow time to guide my feelings. I adore tattoos (clearly) and I would be considering adding to it to make it more of a piece. Had my back tattoo been done as beautifully as yours, I would never have removed it, I would have added to it - but mine was hopeless, it was horribly executed.
Right now you are in the eye of the storm, and may not be thinking clearly—the negative feelings are reckless and they continually feed the depression and anxiety that you're feeling. This may sound like tough love, but what you need to do is stop the cycle of negative thinking and start practicing self-compassion, in other words, don't be so darn hard on yourself, you will see, this will all work out and this little fox has some important life lessons to teach you, you just don't know it yet.
Looking back, when I was at the start of my journey, there is no way I could have made a sound decision, I rushed into removal - not that it wasn't what I would have decided to do, but I just wanted the thing off me, I couldn't stand to see it, just like you - maybe I should have only tried to remove the black and worked around my flowers, maybe I could have had a talented artist add to it and fix it - but I rushed into removal and now my skin isn't the same and while I'm happy with my cover up, the ink in the lasered areas doesn't take well and always comes out looking faded. So you have to consider all the things that can happen, if you only want to remove the 3rd eye, that's a very good possibility and in my opinion would be easy to cover with orange. I know that you don't want to tell your artist, but you might want to mention how you feel and see what your options are, trust me, most artists want nothing more than for you to be happy, and you would not be the first person to have second thoughts and want to change something. If you are not going to do the full removal, I would strongly consider staying with the same artist, as their work is brilliant.
Please take care of yourself, depriving your body of food and sleep and allowing the anxiety and depression take over you isn't healthy and it isn't going to change your situation. Instead practice self-compassion and love rather than hating yourself for this decision.
I hope you find lots of comfort and support here in the community. Hugs, Eva ☺